We had a couple of transitional days between the big weekend and the resumption of our normal life. Bud, Barb, Zoe, Mom, Mike and I went to lunch on Monday at the Hotel de France. Will had a work call that afternoon so couldn’t join us. We all had three courses and left feeling more than full, as per usual. We had a brief walk before BB&Z took Mom to Angouleme for her train to Paris. It was very kind of them to do so since they’d be making the same trip the next day. They returned for dinner, and although no one was hungry, we raided the fridge, and had an interesting spread from the range of food that people had left behind.
Mike hadn’t done much sight-seeing, so we did a bit the following day. It had rained a lot of Monday and some on Tuesday morning, further proving that we really did get lucky with the weather. It was pleasant enough that afternoon to visit Brantome where we bumped into BB&Z who were there exploring on their way back to Paris via Angouleme. We returned via St Jean de Cole and then chilled out the rest of the afternoon. We still had some of the potato gratin from the wedding left, and since Mike had yet to have confit, we did our usual first-meal of the visit on his last night. He’s a picky eater, but he tried a lot of foods that he normally wouldn’t eat. We watched a film that night before turning in.
Wednesday was a harsh return to normality. Mike left for Angouleme around midday, heading for Paris where he spent a few nights. It was right back to work for Will and I, and neither of us were ready for it. We now understand why people go on honeymoon directly after the wedding. We were still both wiped out and not yet caught up on sleep, but both had clients that were clamouring for work, so we did our best to deal with their issues. We took it easier on Thurs and Friday, and we’re now just barely caught up on sleep.
On Thurs morning, Will went to his folks house where he met with one of the builders, and to the Mairie. Sophie and Dom came over that afternoon and we settled up with them for the food and their work. It came out to less than we were expecting. That mainly concludes the wedding, save for the thank you cards and gifts. Will had his last physio on Friday morning, and we started stacking the six steres of wood that were delivered the Sat after the wedding. It was a warm day, around 25C, so we only got through two of them before calling it a day.
We finished stacking the wood the next afternoon. I had mowed the front lawn on Thursday and tackled the back on Sat after we finished the wood. We went out that night to Benoit and Virginie’s. It was her birthday, and we were nearly 20 for dinner, which is actually a small gathering for them. Benoit made chou-croute, which is saurkraut served with different kinds of sausage, followed by cheese and a “chou” cake made by Fred. The usual crowd was there including various family members, plus Steph and Laurance, Jackie’s son who is a good friend of Benoit’s. A few of us stayed on late, listening to music and drinking vodka. We got home around 3 and then watched some tv.
Sunday was largely a lazy day, except for the harvest. We had six plants left in the garden, and although they could have used a few more days, we harvested them all. The weather has been cool and wet, ideal conditions for mold, and a few of the buds were already showing signs. So we spent most of the afternoon cutting the buds from the branches, and it’s now all drying in the guest bedroom. In years past, we hung them all in the loft over the garage, but it really wants a warmer, less humid environment, so we’re doing things a bit differently this year.
Today was just a regular work day. I went to Nontron for the visit after the control technique, and to run a few other errands. The rear taillight still leaks, so I will go by the garage again on Thursday. I bought a tarp and covered the wood with it when I returned home. We’re having lasagne tonight, and it’s now ready, so I’ll leave you here.